Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:26
The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Broken tracheostomy tube: A fractured mandate
Arvind Krishnamurthy1, R Vijayalakshmi
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), 36, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai, India.
Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock
|March 15, 2012
Summary
A rare tracheostomy tube fracture led to a life-threatening airway obstruction. Prompt rigid bronchoscopic removal was successful, highlighting the need for regular tracheostomy care and checks to prevent such complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical procedures
- Pulmonology
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Tracheostomy is a common life support procedure.
- While generally safe, it carries risks of early and late complications.
- Fracture of the tracheostomy tube is a rare but serious late complication.
Observation:
- A fractured tracheostomy tube presented as a foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree.
- The dislodged inner flange was lodged in the trachea and left main bronchus.
- This foreign body aspiration posed a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Findings:
- Published reports of fractured tracheostomy tubes are infrequent.
- The trachea and right main bronchus are common sites for dislodged tubes.
- This case involved lodging in the trachea and left main bronchus.
Implications:
- Foreign body aspiration requires immediate recognition and intervention.
- Rigid bronchoscopy is the primary treatment for removing dislodged tracheostomy tubes.
- Regular monitoring of tracheostomy tubes for wear and tear can prevent such avoidable complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
01:23Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
01:25Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
01:16Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
01:16Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
01:21Tracheostomy Decannulation
Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...